Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1887-08-27
WASHINGTON LETTER.
WASHINGTON. Aug. 81. 1ss;

WASHINGTON, Aug. ~, 1851.
Secretary Lamar's decision refer
ring to settlement of the indemnity
lands that were granted by Con-
gress to the Atlantic and Pacific
Railroad Company has come to be
regarded as political deal, design
ed for the double purpose of helping
the waning fortunes of Cleveland
and conciliating the settlers upon
public lands, whom the rninous and
short-sighted policy of Commission
er Sparks has offended almost be-
yond measure. That the railroad
and the others affected by the order
will mot surrender without a great
fight is clear, and so the misguided
settlers who "squatn upon these
lands will find to their sorrow that
they have become involved in inter-
minable litigation with wealthy cor
porations. But, what cares Cleve-
land for the woes of the poor squat
tiers, if he can only make some
cheap political capital that will tenn
porarily serve his purpose in ambi-
tioning a second term.
The report of the appointments OF
postmasters during this Admins.
tration shows that the Democrat
spoilsmen have gained rich har.
vest in this field of "reform." 1t
shows that for the last fiscal year,
3,O4S new postoffices were establish
ed: number discontinued, 1,50O
appointments on designations and
commissions expired, 1852 on re-
movals and suspensions, 1854; on
changes of names and sites, 4S2: on
deaths of postmasters, $50. The
whole number of appointments OF
postmasters of all grades during the
year was 1909. The total number
of appointments for the year 1885
and 1886 was 22,747 and 9,547,
respectively, making total 46,37e
for the three years. This is pref.
ty near approach to Il clean sweep,
and the few Republicans who are
still in office will likely have to &c
out in another year.
The cordial endorsement of Mr..
Blaine by the Pennsylvania Repub.
lican State Convention is received
with great satisfaction by host OF
his ardent admirers at the Capital,
who claim that this movement puts
the Maine Statesman on his feet
neck and neck with the Ohio Seua-
tor in the great Presidential race of
1888. That Senator Sherman and
Mr.. Blaine are at present the two
most popular and prominent candi-
dates in the republican party goes
without saying, and with the admir-
able staying qualities possessed by
both, it is highly probable that each
will run until the home stretch is
reached, one of them will perhaps
be led out to distance Cleveland in
the great sweepstakes.
Since writing you last, the Secre-
tary of the Navy has taken other
important steps in constructing the
navy by awarding the contract for
building two gunboats and three
steel cruisers, of the latest improved
modern designs with the fullest
speed, capacity and general equip.
ment. The Secretary has also CIV
en- an English Company the prize of
$4,000 authorized by Congress for
the best design of torpedo boat,
and the probability is that such a
destructive vessel will at no distant
day be added to the navy.
After tedious delays, the trial of
DR.. Crawford, of the Navy, on the
charge of fornication with a school
girl of fourteen, has ended in his
conviction on two counts, with sen.
tence of six months in the District
Jail for each offence, but, on appeal.
ing the case to the Supreme Court
of the District, he was released on
bail of $1,000. The confiding victim
of this lecherous dude masquerading
in blue uniform and brass buttons,
has been spirited away, and her
abode is a mystery. If the fallen
surgeon does not resign from the
Navy he will probably be courtmar-
tailed.
Great science dropped his head in
sorrow when the light faded from
the weary eyes of the genius of the
world noted Smithsonian Institu.
ton, Spencer +. Baird. This de.
voice of science, though one Of the
ripest scholars of the age, was a
lifelong student in the profession to
which he dedicated himself in early
life with a passionate devotion only
quenched by the shadow of the
grave itself. Professor Baird who
was chiefly instrumental in estab-
fishing and bringing to its present
proportions the United States Fish
Commission, and for that benefcent
work, which will be associated with
his memory throughout many years,
the American people owe the dead
scientist a debt of gratitude that
should he perpetuated in towering
marble. "Verily his works do
follow him." for millions of silvery
fish that sport and sparkle in our
limped, laughing waters are bright
evangels of his fame. Nicely brown
ed, with mealy potato these fish
are very good eating.